Clayton, Dubilier & Rice has appointed Gordon Riske as operating advisor to CD&R funds. Riske will work with the firm’s industrials team in Europe in order to find new investments and advise the fund’s portfolio businesses.

Before CD&R, Riske served as CEO of Kion Group AG where under his leadership the firm became a leading supplier of warehouse automation and software. Riske also served as chairman of Linde Material Handling and chairman of robotics company Kuka Roboter GmbH.

“Gordon is a talented leader with a strong track record of driving growth and operational excellence in industrial enterprises,” said Dave Novak, CD&R’s co-president. “We particularly appreciate his highly successful repositioning of KION Group towards automation solutions and digital transformation, which we consider highly relevant to our funds’ industrial investment strategy as we continue to invest in building our industry vertical expertise across Europe.”

“CD&R has long been recognized for building strong, growing, and sustainable businesses,” said Mr. Riske. “I look forward to working with the talented CD&R team of investment and operating professionals and contributing to the continued success of the CD&R funds and their portfolio companies across Europe.”